The three female students of Veritas University, Abuja who were on Friday, May 28 abducted from the take-Off campus of the University in Obehie, Abia State have been reunited with their parents on Sunday June 6, ten days after they were abducted from their Hospitallers Sisters Hostel in Obehie at about 7.45pm. The kidnappers had demanded N150 Million as ransom for their release.
In their bid to secure the release of the students, the University Management and the parents of the students, with the assistance of some members of the Amnesty Team, (Asa LG Chapter) set up by the Abia State Government as well as Youth leaders from the Obehie community were in constant dialogue with the kidnappers, pleading for the safety and release of the girls.
The local Police, through the DPO and the State Police Area Commander were involved all through in searching for and securing the release of the students.
In particular, the State Governor, H.E. Governor T. A. Orji through his Chief Security Adviser, Col (rtd) Chijioke Kalu directed the Amnesty Committee to assist the University.
The President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, the owners of the University, Archbishop Felix Alaba Job, issued a statement in Onitsha on Thursday, June 3, urging the kidnappers to release the students unhurt and without collecting ransom “for the sake of God”. He also called on the Federal and State Governments and Security Agents to do more to guarantee the security of lives and property of law-abiding persons in Nigeria.
The Vice- Chancellor of Veritas University, Rev Fr Prof Justin Ukpong, on behalf of the Proprietors, The Management, Staff, and Students of the University and the Parents of the kidnapped students, expresses his appreciation to all who stood in solidarity with the University and the victims during the period. |
